Craniovertebral Ligaments
(Redirected from Atlantooccipital ligaments)
Introduction
- Sometimes referred to as ligaments of the craniocervical junction
- Ligaments that support the connection of the skull to the vertebral column
- Can be broken down into atlanto-occipital and atlanto-axial sections
Atlanto Occipital Ligaments
Description
- Two ligaments that connect the cranium to C1
- Provide support and resist excessive movement of the atlanto occiptal joints
Anterior Atlanto-occipital Membrane
- Extends from anterior arch of atlas to the anterior margin of the foramen magnum
- Composed of broad, dense fibers
- Continuous with the anterior longitudinal ligament inferiorly
Posterior Atlanto-occipital Membrane
- Relatively thin sheet of tissue
- Runs between posterior margin of foramen magnum and upper border of posterior arch of atlas
Atlanto Axial Ligaments
Description
- Several atlanto-axial ligaments
- Stabilize the atlano-axial joint
- Allow rotation of the head
Transverse Ligament of the Atlas
- Strong broad banded ligament
- Attaches between the tubercles on the medial aspect of the lateral mass of atlas
- Articulates with the posterior articular facet of the dens
Cruciform (cruciate) Ligament of the Atlas
- Median longitudinal band
- Arises from the superior margin of the transverse ligament of the atlas
- Inserts on the occiput
- Weaker longitudinal band
- Passes from lower margin of transverse ligament of atlas
- Inserts on posterior surface of atlas
Alar Ligaments
- Short, rounded cords
- Resist excessive rotation of the head
- Extend from posterolateral side of the apex of the dens
- Inserts on the lateral margins of the foramen magnum
Apical Ligament of the Dens
- Weak narrow band located between the alar ligaments
- Originates from the tip of the dens
- Inserts on the anterior margin of the foramen magnum
- fibrous remnant of the notochord and its sheath
- Minor role in stabilizing the atlanto-axial ligament
Anterior Atlanto-axial Membrane
- Strong band
- Runs between anterior arch of atlas
- Inserts on the body of axis
Posterior Atlanto-axial Membrane
- Thin membrane
- Extends from the posterior arch of atlas
- Inserts on the lamina of axis
Tectorial Membrane
- Also called membrana tectoria
- Broad, strong superior continuation of the posterior longitudinal ligament
- Originates on body of C2
- Runs across the median atlanto-axial joint, its ligaments
- Runs through the foramen magnum
- Attachs at the central floor of the cranial cavity, blends with dura matter
Clinical Significance
See Also
References
- ↑ Image courtesy https://musculoskeletalkey.com/
- ↑ Image courtesy of https://www.anatomystandard.com/
- ↑ Fiester, P., et al. "Tectorial membrane injury in the acute trauma setting: examining disparities between the adult and paediatric populations." European Congress of Radiology-ECR 2019, 2018.